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Security experts in South Africa have been warning for months that criminal activity around solar panels is increasing – but some insurers are now picking up new patterns in the type of installations that are coming under attack.
According to Infinity Insurance, the group has seen a marked increase in solar panel theft-related claims among its clients, with the most frequent targets being small businesses that are unoccupied at night and over weekends.
The group noted that criminality around solar panels is two-fold.
If panels are unguarded and unprotected without additional security measures, they make for easy targets that can be easily disassembled and removed.
However, even if the panels are more securely installed and not taken away, they are still “delicate” and susceptible to damage.
“Solar panels are delicate, expensive and an easy target for criminals and are also tremendous liability risks if they are not properly installed and meticulously maintained,” the group said.
In August, security group Guardian Eye said that solar panels and their components – such as batteries and inverters – are of very high value in and of themselves.
However, their components – being silver, aluminium, and copper – are also already valuable apart from their ability to generate power, so they have a high resale value.
The group said that solar equipment is also popular amongst criminals as it is very easy to steal and, unlike vehicles and generators, solar panels and batteries are easy to remove and transport undetected.
In residential settings, investigators said the modus operandi of criminals is to wait until residents leave the house and then get to work uninstalling the panels and anything else they can with tools – sometimes as simple as a spanner or screwdriver.
They will often dress as if they are maintenance personnel to not arouse any suspicion from onlookers or passers-by.
It has been suspected that even some installers are involved in these activities in some capacity.
For the targets laid out by Infiniti Insurance – small businesses – criminal elements would have the luxury of time as the targetted businesses would be unoccupied overnight or over the weekend.
The security experts said proactive steps can be taken to prevent panels from being stolen.
Some installers will have added components on the fixtures that prevent them from being removed. The panels can also be microdotted so any theft can be tracked.
Some high-tech solutions involve using smart technology to send alerts when movement is detected on the roof or near the panels.
From an insurance point of view, Infiniti said it is imperative for solar users to ensure their equipment is installed properly and secured in terms of their policy – and policyholders may want to get the installation covered under an ‘all-risk’ policy, especially if there are any loose components.
“The client should also check what cover they will have. For example, is there a limit on theft or power surge? If you are considering installing the solar system, you need to confirm (that) your policy has solar panel coverage and familiarise yourself with all the terms and conditions of your cover,” the group said.
Read: How criminals are stealing solar panels in South Africa
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